Inventory

Before handing over the keys to the Tenant, it is usual to make an Inventory of the Premises and an Inventory of the furniture and contents of the rented apartment.

This inventory can be made:
- directly between the two parties, the Lessor and the Tenant.
- by a Bailiff

In both cases this document will be attached to the Lease so that it may be compared with the Inventory of the Premises and the Inventory of furniture and contents at the end of the leasing period.

The cost of the Inventory of the premises drawn up by a Bailiff will be divided equally between the two parties, the Lessor and the Tenant.

In the case where one of the two parties does not wish the Inventory of the Premises to be drawn up by a Bailiff, and the other party requires it, the cost of the certified report will be borne by the party requiring it.

Deposit

The Tenant will pay the Lessor a deposit of two months rent. This deposit will not acquire interest and can in no way be used instead of rental payment. It will be returned to the Tenant when the keys are returned and the Inventory of Fixtures is checked at the end of the contract.

It should be noted that in France, the Lessor has two months to return the deposit. Generally he will use this time if any repair work needs to be done. If there is no work to be done, the owners will generally return the deposit before the date required by law.

Service charges

The Tenant pays the Lessor the set service charges at the same time that the rent is indicated on the contract. These charges, often included in the amount of the rent in the case of a furnished apartment, represent maintenance of the building, the gardens where relevant, the caretaker and, often, the garbage collection.

In some cases, the owners of certain apartments and houses require that the Tenant pays the water charges.

Please note: Electricity and telephone bills will be in the name of, and be charged to, the Tenant.

Assurance

The Tenant must take out an Insurance against Risks of Occupancy (fire, water damage, explosion and theft). For theft, the insurance is optional, but advisable to take it. It is recommended that photographs are taken of personal belongings.

Taxes

In France there is a household tax. This annual tax is based on the area of the apartment, the district and also takes into account the means of the Tenant. It can amount to as much as one month's rent. This tax is owed wholly by the person who occupies the accommodation on the 1st January. Household tax is usually requested and payable in the last trimester of the year.

Television licence

This annual tax is payable from the moment you own a television. It is a fixed price (116 euros in 2007) and the cost does not go up if you have more than one television set.